This is my sentinel birch tree friend. I have over-saturated the photo for fun and to show more extreme contrast. This tree lives in Vermont where I resided for awhile.
I love this tree. Every time I drove up to the cob home where we lived, this tree would welcome me. It towered at the top of the hill right before reaching the cottage. I felt as though it was protecting the place and that it was one of my allies.
When I first began my sitting meditation practice, I had great difficulty with pain in my back. It was extremely difficult to simply sit there and notice the pain, as is instructed. After some time of struggle, it finally occurred to me to ask Birch for help. After all, Birch stands tall and is deeply grounded every day, no matter what blows its way. So each morning as I began my meditation, I asked Birch for support. I asked Birch to help me sit tall and strong but with enough flexibility that I not lock up, which would cause more pain. After I asked, I would sit and imagine that the tree and I were merged. I would imagine the tree standing tall in me, through me. This really did impact my meditation practice and allowed me to sit longer and more comfortably. I still struggle with body pain when I sit in meditation, and I still ask for support from Birch, even though I no longer live in Vermont. Thank you Birch Tree. Deep Gratitude.
